CM asks officials to release salaries before Diwali
In a landmark domestic cricket update, 15-year-old batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed as Bihars captain for their opening two matches of the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2026. Sooryavanshi will lead the state side in Indore against Saurashtra on 14 November and Railways on 16 November. The decision comes after regular skipper [] The post Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Bihar Captain for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Opener; Nitish Rana Dropped from Delhi Squad appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Diwali preparations: 450 fire personnel to be deputed across city
Raise capacity of solar panels on water towers to 20 kilowatts: Samrat
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi named Bihar captain at 15 for Mushtaq Ali Trophy
The News Mill
Minister says Nitish revered as ishwar in Bihars rural households
Ensure tight security, strict vigil during festivals: CM
Cheaper gold & silver fuel Dhanteras sales in Bihar
Bihar Man, Wanted For RJD Leader's Murder, Arrested In Kerala
Investigators say Ahmed has been using Kerala as a safe haven since 2019 as a safe hideout while conducting crimes in Bihar.
Lalu gets bail in poll code violation case
Charas worth Rs10 cr seized, one held in Muzaffarpur
School heads asked to taste midday meals before serving students
Now, kids aged 5 and above can visit Rajgir glass bridge
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Appointed Bihar Captain For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026; Check Full Squad
New batting star Vaibhav Suryavanshi has been named as the captain of the Bihar senior cricket team in the first two games of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026. This is going to be Suryavanshi's first experience in leading a senior
Why Integrity of Election Commission is Critical to Save the Constitution and Democracy in India
THE FRAMERS OF THE constitution recognised the paramount significance of free and fair elections for sustaining democracy and seeking mandate of people for governance of India. Now wonder that much later the conduct of free and fair elections was recognised as the basic structure of the Constitution. The members of the Constituent Assembly were acutely conscious of the possibility that the government of the day might influence the electoral process to secure its own political and partisan interests. Consequently, the Constituent Assembly sought to separate the functions of political governance and electoral administration. This marked a departure from the framework under the Government of India Act, 1935, which did not envisage an independent, all-India constitutional body to supervise elections. ECI and Legislative Intent of Constituent Assembly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, during the debate on Article 289 of the draft Constitution (now Article 324) on 15 June 1949, observed: In the interests of purity and freedom of elections to the legislative bodies, it was of the utmost importance that they should be freed from any kind of interference from the executive of the day. Although the Assembly eventually decided not to place the provision concerning elections in the Fundamental Rights Chapter, there was little disagreement about the underlying and paramount principle: the conduct of elections had to be insulated from executive interference. The Assembly aspired to establish an impartial institution that would inspire confidence across political parties and communities. However, these aspirations were accompanied by apprehensions about how such independence could be secured in practice. Article 289 contemplated that the President would appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and such other Election Commissioners as might be considered necessary. Members, however, questioned whether presidential appointment would genuinely guarantee independence because the President as per constitutional mandate would act on the advice of the Council of Ministers, headed by the Prime Minister. Prof. Shibban Lal Saxena, seeking to address this concern, suggested that appointments of the Election Commissioners be approved by a two-thirds majority in a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament. Such a requirement, he argued, would foster cross-party consensus and prevent a single ruling party from imposing its preferred candidate. He also raised a second concern: since Article 289 did not prescribe qualifications for appointment as Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioner, there was no constitutional assurance that the appointee would possess the necessary competence, independence or integrity. Ambedkar himself cautioned: There is no use making the tenure of the Election Commissioner a fixed and secure tenure if there is no provision in the Constitution to prevent either a fool or a knave or a person who is likely to be under the thumb of the Executive. Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru echoed these concerns and proposed that Parliament regulate appointments through legislation. Ultimately, on 16 June 1949, the Assembly adopted Article 289 with amendments. It became Article 324 of the Constitution, vesting the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission. The debates reveal that the framers were concerned not merely with the existence of an Election Commission, but with the conditions necessary to make it genuinely independent. Golden Jubilee of ECI Celebrated its High Credibility The Election Commission of India (ECI) was established on 25 January 1950, a day before the Constitution came into force. Over the decades, it acquired a reputation as an institution capable of conducting elections on an extraordinary scale and, for much of its history, commanding public confidence. At the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the ECI on January 17, 2001 , former President K.R. Narayanan ( http://www.krnarayanan.in/html/speeches/others/jan17_01.htm ) acknowledged the institutions phenomenal contributions to Indian democracy. He commended the fact that both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition were present to pay tribute to the Commission, observing that their presence itself demonstrated the honoured position it occupied in Indias political structure. For that moment, they were in spite of being political adversaries had a shared vision of ECI as an independent institution meant to serve democracy on a bipartisan basis. SIR and Questions raised on Integrity of ECI Twenty-five years later, the picture is considerably different. ECI, once an institution that commanded respect and integrity, which had been the product of the careful craft and dogged determination of the Constituent Assembly, faces questions about its impartiality. Streets across India have witnessed protests by opposition groups, student organisations and civil society members against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the conduct of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. A central concern surrounding the SIR exercise has been the possibility that genuine voters could be removed from electoral rolls, resulting in mass disenfranchisement. Critics have particularly raised concerns about the alleged misuse of Form 7 to object to existing voter registrations, with women and minority communities among those said to be disproportionately affected. A report published by The Indian Express on 23 September 2026 (https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/election-commission-sir-14-objections-gyanesh-kumar-sukhbir-singh-sandhu-vivek-joshi-10889737/ )brought these concerns into sharper focus by documenting objections reportedly raised by the other two Election Commissioners to the manner in which CEC Kumar had handled aspects of the SIR process. These included unauthorized changes to Form 6, the centralisation of access to the voter database and the exclusion of other Commissioners from important decisions. The report has raised questions not only about the conduct of the revision exercise, but also about transparency and decision-making within the Commission itself. Tracing Erosion of ECIs Credibility The erosion of public trust in the ECI, however, has been gradual; it has not emerged out of the blue. It can be traced, at least in part, to a series of controversies that have accumulated over the years. In 2017, the Commission came under scrutiny for announcing the Assembly election schedule for Himachal Pradesh without simultaneously announcing the dates for Gujarat, departing from the convention of announcing elections in the two states together. Critics questioned whether the delay could benefit the ruling party in Gujarat. In 2018, the ECI's recommendation to disqualify twenty Aam Aadmi Party MLAs for allegedly holding offices of profit was set aside by the Delhi High Court, which held that the process had violated the principles of natural justice because the MLAs had not been given an adequate opportunity of hearing. Thereafter, in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, opposition parties raised allegations of EVM manipulation, while civil society groups expressed concern that the ECI was not adequately responding to public queries and suggestions. The Commission was also accused of selectively addressing violations of the Model Code of Conduct, particularly after it gave clean chits to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah despite the dissenting opinions of Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa, which were not reflected in the final orders. Concerns over transparency also arose from alleged discrepancies between votes polled and votes counted, with the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Common Cause approaching the Supreme Court in 2019 and ADR raising similar concerns after the 2024 elections. Further, the ECI was accused of favouring BJP-aligned factions in disputes over party names and election symbols, particularly following the splits in the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party, by relying on legislative strength disregarding the extent of support such splits received at wider levels of organisations. Collectively, these controversies have raised questions about the Commissions neutrality, accountability and credibility as an independent constitutional body. The SIR controversy is perhaps the most serious flashpoint in this gradual erosion of trust. There is a peculiar irony in the protests against the SIR of electoral rolls: one of the most visible large-scale mobilisations in independent India explicitly centred on protecting the very right to vote that the Constitution had made a foundational premise of Indian democracy. When the Constituent Assembly adopted universal adult franchise, it made a remarkably ambitious choice: political participation would not be conditional upon property ownership, education, wealth or social standing. Unlike the early United States, where voting qualifications in several states restricted the franchise to men meeting property or tax-paying requirements, India began its constitutional life by recognising the political equality of its adult citizens. The Assemblys confidence in universal suffrage was, in itself, an extraordinary act of faith in ordinary Indians. Agitations Defending Right To Vote Yet, decades later, Rahul Gandhis Voter Adhikar Yatra through Bihar in AugustSeptember 2025, protesting the alleged disenfranchisement of eligible voters through SIR, brought people onto the streets to defend a right that was supposed to be secure for every adult citizen. This irony is also a reminder that the right to vote is the means through which citizens exercise control over the institutions that determine their access to education, healthcare, employment, welfare and justice and not only an isolated political entitlement. When a person loses their political voice, they also risk losing an important means of demanding these other rights. Martin Luther Kings Straggle for Right to Vote Martin Luther King Jr., in his 1957 address Give Us the Ballot , captured this interdependence when he declared: Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry the federal government about our basic rights. The SIR protests, therefore, concern the preservation of political equality and the ability of ordinary citizens to hold the State accountable. There is something deeply unsettling about having to take to the streets to demand the protection of a right that the framers had entrusted to every adult citizen. The Issue of Right to Protest The Central Government and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have accused protesters, primarily those mobilising under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and supported by opposition parties such as the Congress, of engaging in political agitation and violence rather than seeking genuine grievance redressal. However, it is important to recognise that protests demanding an impartial and accountable Election Commission are not necessarily expressions of hostility towards the constitutional establishment. They can, instead, be expressions of faith in the Constitution itself. To question an institution's functioning is not necessarily to reject its legitimacy; it may be to insist that the institution live up to the constitutional purpose for which it was created. The Supreme Court recognised this democratic significance of protest in Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India (2018). While considering restrictions on demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, the Court recognised that peaceful demonstrations through which citizens air their grievances and ensure that these grievances reach the relevant authorities are protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. Importantly, the Court described legitimate dissent as a distinguishing feature of democracy. It also recognised that the right to protest must be balanced against the rights of other citizens and the requirements of public order. There is, therefore, a fundamental difference between challenging the legitimacy of constitutional democracy and demanding that constitutional institutions fulfil their responsibilities. Peaceful protest, when directed towards restoring the integrity of those institutions, can be an exercise in constitutional faith rather than constitutional defiance. Significance of Peoples Struggle for Right to Vote As mentioned earlier President Narayanan while inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Election Commission of India in 2001 observed that elections had aroused the hopes and aspirations of the unempowered sections of society. He was speaking of the extraordinary promise of universal adult suffrage: the promise that every citizen, irrespective of their social or economic position, would have a voice in the making of the Republic. Perhaps the people taking to the streets today are seeking to preserve and defend precisely that promise. The framers placed their faith in the people by entrusting every adult citizen with the vote; the people, in turn, are asking the institutions created by those framers to remain worthy of that faith. Framers of our Constitution trusted every adult citizen with the power to give shape to our democracy and fashion the destiny of our country. The leaders of the political regime at the centre operating the apparatus of the Indian State must also have the humility to listen when those very citizens take to the streets to defend the ECIs integrity which has been tragically has been eroding.
Scientists conduct experiment to boost plants sweetness
MANUU students on hunger strike demanding NCAHP recognition
Hyderabad: I come from a farming family in Bihar. Families like mine do not encourage girls to get an education. I had to fight my way out, says a vocational training student at the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) in Hyderabad. With lots of convincing and reassurance of a better future, her family finally Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's meteoric rise continues as Bihar hand him captaincy at 15
At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named the captain of the senior cricket team for Bihar. The Bihar Cricket Association revealed the squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, featuring 17 players, with Suraj Kashyap as vice-captain. The team's journey kicks off on November 14, following Sooryavanshi's standout performances in both the Indian Premier League and international T20 cricket.
Four food testing labs to come up in state: Nishant
Ishant Sharma Picked, Nitish Rana Left Out Of Delhis Squad For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been named in Delhis 16-member squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, while experienced left-handed batter Nitish Rana has been left out, said the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) on Friday. The squad was picked at a meeting of the senior mens selection committee held at the DDCA premises on Friday afternoon. Selectors K. Bhaskar Pillai, Manu Nayar and Praveen Gupta were present, along with head coach Vijay Dahiya, Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) chairman Sarandeep Singh and DDCA secretary Ashok Sharma. Ishants selection is a clear sign that the senior right-arm pacer, who has played more than 100 Tests, is keen to carry on playing domestic white-ball cricket for Delhi. His experience should also be valuable for fellow fast bowlers Mayank Yadav, Harshit Rana, and Simarjeet Singh. IANS understands that Rana might play one game for Delhi in order to see if hes fully fit after undergoing extensive rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Rana has been named in the India A squad for the Mens Rising Stars Asia Cup, to be played in the 50-over format from November 19 to 29 in Doha, Qatar. Rana has not played any cricket since a hamstring injury sustained in the third T20I against England, which ruled him out of the series. He was a conditional pick for the T20Is against Afghanistan and the Asian Games, but Rana suffered a left quadriceps strain during a match simulation at the CoE on September 7, which in turn extended his rehab period. Batting all-rounder Ayush Badoni will lead Delhi in the tournament and will open their Elite Group B campaign against Jammu and Kashmir in Indore on November 14. Badoni ended the first phase of the Ranji Trophy as the second-highest run-scorer with 559 runs in four games, coming at an average of 111.8, including hitting 210 not out and 217 against Gujarat and Jharkhand, respectively. The spin options include leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, while Mayank Rawat and Keshav Dabas are the all-rounders. In the batting department, Badoni will be joined by opener Priyansh Arya, former India U-19 captain Yash Dhull, Himmat Singh, Sarthak Ranjan and Ayush Doseja. Anuj Rawat and Tejasvi are the two wicketkeepers in the side. After the opening game, Delhi will face Punjab on November 16, before taking on Bihar (November 18), Saurashtra (November 20), Haryana (November 22), Tamil Nadu (November 24) and Railways (November 26). Delhi won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy only once in the 2017/18 season under Pradeep Sangwans leadership. The spin options include leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and mystery spinner Digvesh Rathi, while Mayank Rawat and Keshav Dabas are the all-rounders. In the batting department, Badoni will be joined by opener Priyansh Arya, former India U-19 captain Yash Dhull, Himmat Singh, Sarthak Ranjan and Ayush Doseja. Anuj Rawat and Tejasvi are the two wicketkeepers in the side. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Academic assessment planned for students in states 25 tribal schools
Man accused of raping minor arrested in Kishanganj
SMAT: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed Bihar captain
At 15, he is set for his first captaincy stint in official cricket
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Bihar Captain For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Bihar are in Group B alongside Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Railways, Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu
Teenage Run Machine Sooryavanshi Gets Captaincy Call
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been appointed captain of Bihar's senior team for the initial two matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, starting November 14. Suraj Kashyap will serve as vice-captain. Sooryavanshi, known for his IPL and India T20I performances, will lead Bihar in Group B, with their first match against Saurashtra in Indore.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to captain Bihar at 15, leads Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to captain Bihar at 15, leads Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad
Train enroute to Bengal catches fire in Punjab, all passengers escape unhurt
Digital Desk | Patiala, Nov 6 (IANS) A major tragedy was averted in Punjab on Friday after four coaches of the Karmabhoomi Express, which was enroute to West Bengal, caught fire near Sarai Banjara in Patiala district, officials said. All passengers of the Express train escaped unhurt. Ambala Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vinod Kumar Bhatia told reporters that the train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. He said: The fire incident was reported between Rajpura and Sadhu Garh railway stations. When the loco pilot and guard noticed automatic chain pulling (ACP) and dropping of pressure, they quickly brought the train under control. After getting down, they noticed fire and smoke and immediately took precautions. Bhatia added that all the passengers were evacuated and the affected coaches were isolated to prevent the fire from spreading to other coaches. As soon as the guard informed our control room, we regulated and controlled the trains on the other line as well, he said. The DRM also said that initially, one coach was affected, but as strong winds were blowing at the time of the incident, the fire spread to other coaches. A total of four coaches were affected. No one was injured and there were no casualties, he added. A similar incident was reported from Bihar in August, when a massive fire broke out on the Samastipur-Saharsa Passenger train (63344) at Simri Bakhtiyarpur railway station in the state's Saharsa district. The incident triggered panic among passengers and railway staff. According to information, the fire started near the train's middle engine and rapidly spread to three coaches. Thick smoke and towering flames created a chaotic situation at the station. A large number of passengers were travelling on the train when the fire broke out. As soon as they noticed the flames, passengers began getting off the coaches. A potentially serious tragedy was averted as all passengers reportedly managed to evacuate safely. After receiving information about the fire, multiple fire tenders and railway officials reached the station. Firefighters launched an immediate operation and eventually brought the blaze under control.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appointed as Bihars captain for first two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) Teenaged batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will captain Bihars senior team for the first time after being named as their skipper for the opening two matches of the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. While announcing a 17-member squad on Friday, the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) named Suraj Kashyap as the sides vice-captain. BCA president Harsh Vardhan said the role would aid Sooryavanshis development as a player. Vaibhav has already demonstrated tremendous talent, confidence and maturity at a young age, and this responsibility will provide him with another opportunity to grow as a cricketer and leader. We are hopeful that under Vaibhavs leadership, the team will deliver a disciplined, competitive and effective performance while representing the state in the upcoming season, he said. The captaincy comes on the back of a remarkable rise for Sooryavanshi. After making India win the 2026 Under-19 Mens Cricket World Cup by hitting 175 in the final and becoming Player of the Tournament, the left-handed batter became the leading run-getter in IPL 2026 while turning out for the Rajasthan Royals with 776 runs coming at a strike rate of 237.30. Those exploits earned him a place in the India T20I side, and he became the youngest international cricketer for the country by debuting in the second game against England in Manchester in July. In the recent third T20I against New Zealand, Sooryavanshi and Abhishek Sharma put on 118 without loss in the first six overs - the highest powerplay total in mens T20Is. The pair added 133 for the opening wicket in just 43 balls. Sooryavanshi made 45 off 19 deliveries, while Abhishek smashed 113 off 38 balls. Overall, Vaibhav has scored 295 runs in ten T20Is at an average of 29.5 and strike rate of 185.53, including hitting two fifties. Bihars squad was finalised at a meeting of the BCAs senior mens selection committee on Friday, after trials held from November 4 to 6 and a review of past performances was done. Committee Chairman Harvinder Singh and member Amitabh Vijayvargiya attended the meeting, while selector S. Sarath joined via telephonic call. Mangal Mahour and pacer Sakib Hussain have also been picked, but subject to fitness. The selectors will assess them after the first two games before deciding whether they are available to play. Interestingly, the BCA has also named 16 standby players. Bihar will play their first two matches against Saurashtra and Railways in Indore on November 14 and 16 respectively. The support staff of the states Ranji Trophy team will remain with the side for the whole tournament, while Harvinder and Vijayvargiya will travel to Indore to watch the matches. Bihar squad: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (captain), Suraj Kashyap (vice-captain), Alok Kumar, Ayush Loharuka (wk), Altamash Ashraf, Param Kumar Singh, Anmol Kumar (wk), Ritwik Raj, Mayank Kumar, Raghvendra Pratap, Ashish Kumar, Vasudev Pratap Singh, Mohammad Izhar, Amod Yadav, Prashant Singh, Nawaz Khan, Himanshu Singh. Subject to fitness: Mangal Mahour, Shakib Hussain. Standbys: Bipin Saurabh, Suman Kumar, Akash Raj, Khalid Alam, Bhaskar Dubey, Kumar Rajnish, Suyash, Abhijeet Saket, Yashasvi Rishabh, Lakhan Raja, Pawan Kumar, Amit Chaudhary, Piyush Singh, Bhanu Kumar, Lokesh Babulal Kumar, Prashant Srivastava.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Handed Captaincy Role In BCCI's National T20 Tournament
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been named the captain of the senior Bihar men's team. He will lead the side in their first two matches of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Identify gaps in exam arrangements: BSEB chief
30 training programmes launched to upgrade teaching, research skills
Notorious criminal wanted for RJD leaders murder in Bihar arrested in Keralams Kollam
Mohammed Ajaj Ahmed was wanted in connection with the murder of Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Baidyanath Mahto and another individual in Bihar
New ROB inaugurated near Ara Junction in Bhojpur
Patna encounter: Misa Bharti demands impartial probe; families of three deceased stage protest
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) After the encounter of three individuals in Patna's Maner area, Misa Bharti, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Lok Sabha MP from Patliputra, visited the Danapur Sub-divisional hospital on Friday and raised questions over the encounter. Bharti met the grieving families and gathered details about the incident. Targeting the state government, she said that while the Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary claims to be committed to eradicating crime, the police are allegedly killing innocent people. Questioning the circumstances of the encounter, Misa Bharti demanded an impartial investigation, saying that the truth must come out and justice must be ensured for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, tension prevailed at a hospital in Patna on Friday after the incident that triggered protests by their family members, who accused the police of staging a conspiracy and demanded an impartial investigation. The agitated relatives created a ruckus on the hospital premises and smashed the windows of several vehicles while questioning the police version of the encounter. They alleged that the police had deliberately killed the three men, saying that if the intention was merely to apprehend them, the personnel could have shot them in the legs instead of killing them. As the situation escalated, police personnel attempted to pacify the protesters, but their efforts failed. The police subsequently used mild force to disperse the crowd and clear the hospital premises. Ramashish Yadav, brother of one of the deceased, JP Yadav, also condemned the police action, alleging that his brother was killed in an unjustified operation. He said several questions remained unanswered in the police account and demanded an independent probe and action against the personnel involved. Patna City Superintendent of Police (Central) Chandra Prakash said action would be taken against those found responsible. The bodies of the three deceased have been sent to AIIMS Patna for post-mortem examinations. The investigation is underway, with police examining all aspects of the incident, Chandra Prakash added. Meanwhile, Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma said the Bihar Special Task Force (STF) and Patna Police had been conducting special operations to curb criminal activities. Acting on a tip-off about a group of criminals allegedly planning a major crime, a joint team conducted an operation in the jurisdiction of Maner police station on November 6. According to the SSP, the suspects opened fire as the police team approached them. One bullet reportedly grazed the uniform of the Maner Station House Officer (SHO). The police retaliated, injuring three suspects, who were subsequently rushed to a hospital and declared dead by doctors. Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects fired more than 24 rounds at the police team. Weapons were also recovered from the deceased, the SSP said. He added that all three had criminal records and were allegedly involved in a murder committed in Maner on the day of Durga Ashtami this year. Further legal proceedings are underway. The SSP said the post-mortem examinations would be conducted under full videographic recording to ensure transparency in the process.
Three suspects in PACS president murder case killed in gunfight with police in Patna
Blinkit delivery boy Habeeb assaulted over his name in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: A Blinkit delivery executive was allegedly assaulted by a group, including his warehouse manager, for having a Muslim name in Hyderabad. Habeeb Ansari from Banka district in Bihar has been living in the Golconda area for the last five years. He works as a delivery boy. On November 3, after delivering an order around Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bihar CM directs 24-hour patrolling ahead of Diwali and Chhath
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday chaired a high-level review meeting through video conferencing from his official residence to assess law and order, security, cleanliness and other essential arrangements ahead of Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath festivals. During the meeting, Choudhary said a large number of people from Bihar living in other states and abroad return home during the festive season. He stressed that they should experience a sense of security, happiness and positive change upon returning to their home state. He directed district administrations and police officials to remain highly vigilant and ensure that all necessary arrangements are completed on time. Everyone must remain alert and prepared for Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath. Along with maintaining law and order, all necessary preparations must be completed on time. Chhath is the pride of Bihar and an important part of our cultural identity. Special attention must be paid to the convenience, safety and cleanliness of devotees, Choudhary said. He directed the deployment of adequate police personnel across the state and instructed officials to constitute Quick Response Teams (QRTs) in every district. He also ordered round-the-clock patrolling, particularly around railway stations and bus stands, and called for prompt action in case of any untoward incident. Emphasising cleanliness, Choudhary directed officials to ensure proper sanitation at railway stations, bus stands, public places and Chhath ghats. District Magistrates (DMs) were instructed to personally monitor these arrangements. He also stressed that Chhath ghats must have adequate security and facilities in accordance with prescribed standards, with local volunteers actively involved in the arrangements. Ensure the presence of local swimmers at Chhath ghats in villages. Electrical safety must be given the highest priority, and exposed live wires must not be used under any circumstances, he said. The Chief Minister also asked public representatives and officials to visit Dalit and Mahadalit settlements and celebrate festivals with residents to promote social harmony and communal brotherhood. He directed District Magistrates to hold regular meetings with public representatives and take their concerns and suggestions seriously. Choudhary further ordered the formation of Quick Response Teams at every level to deal with misleading information and fake news. He also directed officials to publicise the steps being taken to resolve public grievances and promote an appeal encouraging affluent households to voluntarily surrender the benefit of the 125-unit electricity subsidy. The Chief Minister also announced that he would begin visiting different districts after November 25. From November 16, regular reviews of development schemes will be conducted, with particular emphasis on their implementation and progress. He instructed District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police (SPs) to hold monthly meetings with industrialists to address their concerns, facilitate investment and generate employment opportunities. He also directed officials to expedite land acquisition for development projects and ensure that there were no unnecessary delays. During the meeting, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police (DGP) Preeta Verma briefed the Chief Minister on the law and order preparations.
Cybergang uses mule account for Rs 2 cr transactions in Bhojpur
100 newly appointed Bihar Legislative Council staff stopped from joining duty in Patna
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) Around 100 newly appointed employees of the Bihar Legislative Council created a commotion on Friday after they were stopped at the main gate while attempting to join duty. A large police contingent was deployed at the premises to maintain law and order. The employees demanded that they be allowed to join their respective posts immediately. The group included seven personal assistants (stenographers), around 56 security guards and 33 data entry operators. Their joining has been withheld following allegations of irregularities in the recruitment process. Questions have also been raised over the educational qualifications and professional skills of some of the selected candidates. The recruitment process in the Bihar Legislative Council is currently under scrutiny. The appointments were made during the tenure of former Council Chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh. The controversy intensified after reports emerged that some of the selected personal assistants were not proficient in shorthand, a mandatory skill for the post. Following these concerns, the Council Secretariat decided to conduct a shorthand assessment to verify the candidates' abilities. A test was organised on November 4, but none of the seven selected candidates appeared. All had been instructed to report to the examination centre on the Council premises at 11:30 a.m. The assessment was to be monitored through CCTV cameras to ensure transparency. The Secretariat had earlier made it clear that failure to appear for the mandatory assessment would lead to cancellation of the candidates' selection. However, after the candidates remained absent, the authorities decided to give them one final opportunity instead of immediately cancelling their appointments. November 18 has now been fixed as the fresh date for the shorthand test. The seven candidates have been directed to appear for the assessment, failing which their appointments will be terminated. The absence of all seven candidates from the first test has further intensified questions over the recruitment process and the credibility of the selection. The larger group of newly appointed employees, meanwhile, continued to press for permission to join duty on Friday. Their appointments remain on hold pending scrutiny of the recruitment-related concerns.
65-Lakh Voters Deleted: Bihar Figures Challenge Congress-RJD Claims
The controversy over Bihars electoral rolls took a fresh political turn following the 2025 Assembly elections, with the 65-Lakh Voters Deleted issue becoming a major talking point for the Congress and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Opposition leaders questioned the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, alleging large-scale voter exclusion. However, the election figures and [] The post 65-Lakh Voters Deleted: Bihar Figures Challenge Congress-RJD Claims appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Retired customs officers murder: Shooter hurt in gunfight with police
How a Rs 500 Cr bet put Bihar Museum ahead of the Met and Louvre
How did Bihar Museum enter the global top 10? Shradha Sharma reflects on Nitish Kumar's vision, legal challenges and the persistence behind its success
Key Accused in Bihar RJD Leader's Murder Arrested From Kollam in Keralam
Kollam City Police received a tip-off from the intelligence wing of Bihar Police that Ahamed was hiding in Andamukkam
Patna Encounter News : , | Ashutosh Chaturvedi #PatnaNews #PoliceEncounter #BiharNews #PatnaEncounter #LawAndOrder
RJD Leader Murder: Key Accused Held In Keralam
Police in Keralam have arrested Ajaj Ahamed, a key accused in the murder of Bihar RJD leader Baidyanath Mahto. Ahamed, a Bihar native, was apprehended in Kollam after a tip-off from Bihar Police. He is allegedly involved in multiple crimes, including two murders and armed robberies, and had been hiding in Keralam since 2019.
BPSC 71st Mains Result 2026 Out - Check 71st CCE Mains Result and Login
BPSC 71st Mains Result 2026 has been released on 6 November for the 71st Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025. Candidates who appeared in the Mains exam held from 25 to 30 April 2026 can check their results through the candidate login at bpsc.bihar.gov.in. The recruitment covers 1,298 vacancies across various posts, including DSP and Financial Administrative Officer. Check the result and download the PDF.
BSEB Dummy Admit Card 2026: Urgent Correction Deadline for Class 10 and 12 Students
The Bihar Board (BSEB) dummy admit card correction window for Class 10 and 12 closes on November 7, 2026. Students must verify details like names, subjects, and photos now to avoid issues with final admit cards and exam results.
Fake Currency Racket Busted In Paharganj
Delhi Police have arrested two individuals from Bihar, recovering counterfeit Indian currency worth Rs 2.65 lakh, after dismantling a fake currency supply network in Paharganj. The accused were apprehended during a raid and were planning to sell the fake notes.
Handwara Police apprehend five drug suspects, recover contraband
Handwara, Nov 06: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking and substance abuse, Handwara Police apprehended five drug suspects in three separate operations conducted by Police Station Kralgund and Police Post Chogul, recovering charas and cannabis-like contraband substances from their possession, police officials said on Friday. Handwara Police intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking; five suspects apprehended, contraband recovered in three NDPS operations, the officials said. In a press statement, a police spokesperson said that during naka checking at Khanu Babagund, Police Station Kralgund apprehended two persons identified as Abid Hussain Mir of Tarathpora and Rouf Mushtaq Bhat of Khanu. Charas-like substance and charas powder-like substance were recovered from their possession. Accordingly, FIR No. 78/2026 under Sections 8/20-29 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Kralgund. In another operation at Wanigam Crossing, one person identified as Danish Parvaiz Parra of Budra Bala was apprehended, and a cannabis (Khashkhash)-like substance was recovered from his possession, the spokesperson said. Accordingly, FIR No. 79/2026 under Section 8/15 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Kralgund. Meanwhile, during naka checking at Watyen, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Post Chogul, a motorcycle bearing registration number PB08CQ-8150, travelling from Sopore towards Kupwara, was intercepted. Two persons, identified as Mohd. Jahangir Sadeeqi and Mohd. Haseemu Din, both residents of Bihar, were apprehended, and a charas-like substance was recovered during checking. Accordingly, FIR No. 275/2026 under Sections 8/20-29 of the NDPS Act was registered at Police Station Handwara, the spokesperson added. Handwara Police reiterated its firm commitment to eradicating the drug menace and appeals to the general public to extend cooperation and share information about drug-related activities to safeguard society, particularly the youth.
Three Suspects Killed In Bihar Police Encounters
Three suspected criminals were killed in an exchange of fire with police in Patna's Maner locality on Friday. Separately, another wanted man was injured in a shootout with police in Bhojpur district on Friday morning.
Bihar STF Cracks Down On Drug Trafficking, Rs 10 Crore Charas Seized
The Bihar Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and district police, conducted two separate operations leading to the arrest of two alleged drug traffickers. Authorities seized charas valued at Rs 10 crore and 61 grams of smack in East Champaran and Purnea districts. One arrested individual, Rajesh Sahni, is believed to be part of an international narcotics syndicate supplying drugs across several Indian states after procuring them from Nepal. Investigations are ongoing.
Govt launches 9th round of critical mineral auctions, 20 blocks across 8 states put up for bidding
The Ministry of Mines has launched the ninth tranche of the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks, putting 20 blocks across eight states on offer, as the government steps up efforts to strengthen domestic mineral availability and encourage private sector participation. The latest auction follows eight previous tranches in which 100 unique critical and strategic mineral blocks were offered, of which 64 were successfully auctioned, recording a success rate of 64 per cent. The Ministry of Mines, in an official statement, said, In the previous eight tranches, 100 unique critical and strategic mineral blocks were offered, of which 64 have been successfully auctioned, a success rate of 64 per cent. The 20 blocks offered in the ninth tranche are spread across Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Telangana and West Bengal. The minerals on offer include graphite, glauconite, vanadium, gallium, titanium, rare earth elements (REE), bauxite, alu...
Delhi Police bust counterfeit currency network; arrest two with fake notes
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) Delhi Police have busted an alleged counterfeit currency supply network with the arrest of two men from Bihar and recovered fake Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 2.65 lakh from their possession, officials said on Friday. The accused, identified as Dinesh Kumar Jha (36) and Satish Kumar (20), both residents of Muzaffarpur in Bihar, were apprehended during a raid at Neelam Guest House in the Paharganj area, opposite New Delhi Railway Station. According to police, the operation was carried out on November 5 after Sub-Inspector S.N. Ojha, in charge of Police Post Sangatrashan, received specific information about two persons allegedly involved in the supply and circulation of counterfeit Indian currency in the area. Acting on the input, a police team was constituted under Ojha's leadership, with the supervision of the Station House Officer (SHO) of Paharganj and the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the subdivision. The team raided the guest house and apprehended the two suspects. A search led to the recovery of counterfeit currency amounting to Rs 2,65,100 from their possession. The Crime Team and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team were subsequently called to examine the recovered notes. A case was registered at Paharganj police station vide FIR No. 437/26 under Sections 179, 180 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further investigation was initiated. During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that they had travelled to Delhi to sell counterfeit currency and were looking for prospective buyers. Police said the two had planned to sell counterfeit notes with a face value of Rs 1 lakh for Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 in genuine currency. However, they had not finalised any deal or found a customer before the police apprehended them. The accused also allegedly disclosed that the counterfeit currency had been supplied to them by another person identified as 'S'. Police are investigating the alleged supplier's role and attempting to identify other members of the network. Of the total recovery, Rs 2,45,100 was seized from Jha, comprising four counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination, 1,000 notes of Rs 200 denomination, 351 notes of Rs 100 denomination and 160 notes of Rs 50 denomination. The remaining Rs 20,000, comprising 100 counterfeit notes of Rs 200 denomination, was recovered from Satish Kumar. Police said Jha was previously involved in a counterfeit currency case registered in 2023 at the Patparganj Industrial Area police station in Delhi. The case, registered under Sections 489B, 489C and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, pertained to counterfeit currency. Both accused have been arrested, medically examined and produced before the court. Police said further investigation was underway to trace the source of the counterfeit notes, identify the alleged supplier and uncover the wider network involved in their supply and circulation.
3 criminals killed in encounter in Patna, SHO injured; weapons recovered
Retired I-T officer murder case: Accused injured in encounter with Bihar Police, arrested
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS)A suspected shooter in the murder of retired Income Tax Department officer Ram Pukar Singh was injured in an encounter with Bihar Police in Bhojpur district on Friday morning. The encounter took place near Sarangpur Mor under the Bahoranpur police station area. The accused, identified as Nirmal Yadav, sustained a bullet injury in his right leg below the knee. He was subsequently arrested and admitted to Ara Sadar Hospital for treatment. Bhojpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Awadhesh Dixit said Nirmal Yadav, a resident of Chandwa Housing Colony under Nawada police station, had already been arrested in connection with the murder of the retired officer. During interrogation, the accused reportedly disclosed the location where he had concealed the weapon used in the crime. A police team subsequently took him to Sarangpur Mor to recover the firearm. However, during the operation, Nirmal allegedly opened fire on the police team in an attempt to escape. After seeing him open fire, the police warned him to surrender, but he continued shooting. In self-defence, the police retaliated, during which he sustained a bullet injury in his leg. He has been arrested and is currently undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital, SP Awadhesh Dixit said. The case relates to the murder of Ram Pukar Singh on October 15 near Jain College on Maharaja Hata-Katira Station Road in Ara, under the Nawada police station area. Singh, a retired Assistant Commissioner of the Income Tax Department and president of the Kshatriya Kalyan Sangathan, was shot dead by unidentified criminals while he was in the area a few weeks ago. According to police, the assailants fired seven rounds at him, hitting his chest and killing him on the spot. Following the murder, Bhojpur Police launched an investigation based on statements from the victim's family and evidence collected from the crime scene. Scientific and technical evidence subsequently helped investigators identify and detain suspects. Meanwhile, the deceased's wife, Sushila Devi, had alleged that a long-standing dispute over a 14-kattha plot of valuable land was the reason for the murder. She also claimed that her husband had received death threats before the incident. In her complaint, she raised allegations against the SHO of Mufassil police station and the Circle Officer (CO), accusing them of having a role in the conspiracy. These allegations are part of the investigation. Police are continuing their investigation to establish the complete sequence of events and identify all those involved in the murder conspiracy.
Bihar: 3 criminals killed, officer wounded in Patna police encounter
Three alleged criminals were killed in an encounter with police near the River Ganga in Sherpur, under the Maner police station area of Patna district, early Friday. Maner Station House Officer (SHO) Rajnish Kumar sustained a bullet injury to his left hand during the exchange of fire. The Maner encounter took place during a joint operation by the Patna Special Task Force (STF) and Patna Police. The three injured suspects were taken to hospital, where they were declared dead. The SHO was also shifted to Patna for treatment. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartik Kumar Sharma said police teams were conducting operations for crime prevention when they received information about criminals allegedly planning a major incident in Sherpur. Speaking to ANI, Sharma said,
Three criminals killed in encounter with Bihar Police in Patna; SHO injured
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 6 (IANS) Three criminals were killed in an encounter with a joint team of the Special Task Force (STF) and local police in the Sherpur area along the Ganga River in Bihar's Patna district early Friday morning. Maner Station House Officer (SHO) Rajnish Kumar sustained injuries during the exchange of fire. The encounter took place around 3 a.m. under the jurisdiction of Maner police station. The deceased have been identified as J.P. Yadav, Suraj Kumar alias Raja Sharma and Bablu Kumar. According to police, all three had criminal backgrounds and were wanted in several cases, including murder. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya K. Sharma reached the spot after receiving information about the encounter. He said that STF and district police teams had been conducting operations in different areas when they received intelligence that three criminals had assembled in Sherpur and were planning a major crime. When the police team reached the location, the criminals allegedly opened fire, prompting the police to retaliate. During the exchange, a bullet grazed the arm of Maner SHO Rajnish Kumar. After the firing stopped, police personnel approached the spot and found three men lying injured. They were immediately taken to a hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Police recovered two pistols, one country-made firearm (desi katta) and several empty cartridges from the encounter site. According to police, the exchange of fire lasted several rounds, with the criminals firing 24 rounds and the police responding with 18 rounds. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations. Danapur-2 Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) A.K. Jha said that the three deceased were allegedly involved in the murder of Sanjit Kumar alias Bholu, president of the Vyapur Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) in Maner. According to the SDPO, Bablu Kumar and Suraj Kumar were the alleged shooters, while J.P. Yadav was the main conspirator behind the murder. All three were wanted in connection with the murder case and other criminal cases registered at different police stations. Police are further investigating the encounter and examining the evidence recovered from the scene.
The latest regulation states that making reels and videos during school hours has the potential to make impact on teaching and it may infringe on students privacy
Bank accounts to be opened for children studying in government schools in Bihar
Opening childrens bank accounts must be completed by Dec 31, 2026; the Education Department issues instructions to all districts
Tejashwi Yadav criticises PM Modi for lack of flood aid ahead of Bihar visit
The News Mill
Bihar NDA leaders led by CM Samrat Choudhary review the council results
Sources said that in the meeting, JD(U) levelled charges against the alliance partner for failing to cooperate and also tried to sabotage their candidate.
CM directs officials to expedite implementation of rural jobs scheme
DA case: VIB searches premises of Muz civic officer
MMCs Deepanjali kicks off Diwali with rangoli, diya-making competitions
Jan Suraaj seeks cancellation of two MLCs membership
Over 2 tonnes of food destroyed, hygiene lapses uncovered during inspections
Rajgir safari gets lion, four blackbucks
HC bars encroachment cases amid title disputes
CM asks minister, officials to hear entrepreneurs concerns
Class III boy locked inside Banka school for two hours
Bihar Showcases Renewable Energy Investment Opportunities Worth
Bihar unveils a
Unreasoned demolition orders violate property rights: HC
Shopkeeper burned alive inside locked Siwan shop
Joint workshop: Officers undergo training in investigations of corruption, bribery cases
Special Train Announced Between Khurda Road and Anand Vihar Terminal
To clear the heavy rush of passengers traveling across Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and the Delhi-NCR region, the railways will run a Special Express train between Khurda Road and Anand Vihar Terminal. Train No. 08407 (Khurda RoadAnand Vihar Terminal Special) is scheduled to leave Khurda Road at 12:15 hrs on Saturday, November 7, 2026, [] The post Special Train Announced Between Khurda Road and Anand Vihar Terminal appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
SC asks Anant to surrender by Dec 4 in murder case
Accused held in Araria rape case
CM: Ensure cleanliness at Ganga ghats
CBI arrests bank fraud accused after 18 years
Dance, skit mark annual day at St Michaels High School
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) in Bihar's Darbhanga district was injured after unidentified miscreants opened fire on a police team during patrolling on Thursday. ASI Randhir Kumar sustained a bullet injury to his left leg and is undergoing treatment. Police are conducting raids to apprehend the accused and ascertain the motive.
Bihar: ASI shot at in Darbhanga; investigation underway
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 5 (IANS) An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Bihar Police was shot at in the left leg while on patrol near the Chhinnamastika shrine in Darbhanga district on Thursday afternoon. The incident took place around 3 p.m. in a bushy area near Pathak Pokhar, between Amtahi and Lalpur villages, under Ujan Panchayat in the Saktapur police station area. The injured ASI, identified as Randhir Kumar, was initially taken by his colleagues to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Tardih. After receiving first aid, he was referred to Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) for further treatment. According to preliminary information, Randhir Kumar was patrolling the bushes near a pond when a bullet suddenly struck his left leg. The bullet reportedly passed through the limb. Interestingly, the other personnel accompanying him were reportedly unaware that a gunshot had been fired. They noticed his injury and immediately arranged for his transportation to the hospital. Dr Sumant Kumar Singh, in charge of the Tardih PHC, confirmed that the ASI had sustained a gunshot wound to his left leg. He said the bullet had passed through the limb and that the injured officer was referred to DMCH after receiving initial medical treatment. Following information about the incident, Saktapur Station House Officer (SHO) Madhulata Kumari reached the spot. She confirmed that the shooting occurred around 3 p.m. while the ASI was on patrol. SHOs from Benipur and Bajitpur also reached the location, and an investigation was initiated. Police cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Senior police officials are also expected to visit the site. Meanwhile, SHO Arvind Kumar said Randhir Kumar had taken leave on Wednesday to attend an auspicious family ceremony related to his sister and had subsequently returned home. He said the police had been informed about the incident and were investigating all possible angles. The circumstances under which the ASI was shot remain unclear. Police are examining the evidence collected from the spot to determine whether he was deliberately targeted or the shooting occurred under other circumstances.
Extension for Agniveers draws mixed response: Welcome step for some, deception for others
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Central governments decision to extend the service tenure of 'Agniveers' from four to six years has invited a sharply divided response in political circles, with many hailing the move as a welcome step while others calling it a deceptive and deceitful move to deprive the young personnel of their genuine rights. Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Deepak Prakash said, This is a highly welcome step. It opens up avenues for the youth joining the Agniveer scheme, potentially leading to permanent appointments as soldiers. Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Ramshankar Rajbhar dismissed the move as mere lollipop and deception while CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan and Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat demanded permanent appointments and pension benefits. SP MP Ramshankar Rajbhar questioned, Why are Agniveers not being granted regular government jobs? You consider them our soldiers, yet when they are martyred, you are unwilling to grant them the appropriate status or provide any benefits. In effect, you have turned Agniveers into 'outsourced' soldiers. If the government has the courage and its intentions are genuine, it should grant them the right to full-time, lifelong employment. CPI(M) MP V. Sivadasan stated that the 'Agniveer' scheme has devastated the entire military system and structure. After six years, they will no longer have access to canteen facilities or any other welfare schemes. What, then, is the point of these 'Agniveers'or, for that matter, the Indian military system itself?, he stated. He argued that these personnel should be granted permanent appointments. Senior Congress leader and former Agriculture Minister Balasaheb Thorat said that 'Agniveers' should be allowed to serve until retirement. What purpose does a mere two-to-four-year tenure serve? If they retire at the age of 25 or 27, what are they expected to do thereafter? he asked. Some candidates preparing for Agniveer exams also shared their views on additional tenure of two years, beyond the stipulated four years of service. Pankaj Katare, an 'Agniveer' aspirant, said, This is a great opportunity for all the young people who are preparing for it. Lokesh Sahu, an Agniveer trainer, said that this would boost the morale of youth and strengthen their spirit of patriotism. Upon retirement, they will also have access to employment opportunities; for instance, they will receive an advantage when applying for positions in police forces or the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force), he added.
Centre launches 9th tranche of e-auction for critical mineral blocks
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Union Mines Ministry on Thursday launched the ninth tranche of e-auction for critical and strategic mineral blocks, together with the third tranche of the auction for Grant of Exploration Licence (EL) blocks. The launch was officiated by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant as Chief Guest. A total of 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks are being put up for auction in the ninth tranche. Five critical mineral blocks are located in Chhattisgarh, while Rajasthan, Telangana, and West Bengal account for three each. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra each have two blocks, followed by Bihar and Andhra Pradesh with one each. The blocks contain critical minerals such as graphite, vanadium, gallium, titanium, tungsten, and scandium. These are used as critical elements in clean energy technologies, electric mobility, advanced manufacturing, fertilisers, defence, aerospace, electronics, and other strategic industries, thereby strengthening India's mineral security and supporting the country's energy transition, an official statement said. In the previous eight tranches, 100 unique critical and strategic mineral blocks were offered, of which 64 have been successfully auctioned. Alongside the ninth tranche, the Ministry of Mines also launched the third tranche of the auction of exploration licences. Exploration Licences, introduced through Section 10BA of the MMDR Act, enable private investment in the exploration of 29 critical and deep-seated minerals specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Act, opening up exploration to private industry even before mining begins. So far, 11 EL blocks have been successfully auctioned in two tranches. The government has notified the Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2026 on October 16, reducing the minimum number of Technically Qualified Bidders required for the second round from three to two for Part D minerals. The change, built into the tender documents for both tranches, addresses a key reason blocks have gone unsold. Letters of Intent will now be issued automatically through the Unified Mining Portal. These build on earlier reforms, including the Mineral (Auction) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 and Insurance Surety Bonds, aimed at improving ease of doing business and investor confidence. The sale of tender documents for both auction processes commenced on Thursday. The last date for purchase of the tender document is January 1, 2027 (by 5 p.m. IST), and the last date for submission of bids (Technical Bid and Initial Price Offer) is January 7, 2027. Critical Mineral Blocks (Composite Licence and Mining Lease) will be auctioned online through a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction, where the bidder quoting the highest percentage of revenue share wins. Exploration Licence Blocks will be auctioned online through a transparent two-stage descending reverse auction, where the bidder quoting the lowest percentage share of the revenue share of the future lessee wins. Details are available on the MSTC e-auction platform at: https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/
Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav meets Madhubani firing victims family members; promises govt job
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 5 (IANS) Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Yadav, on Thursday visited the residence of Ashok Yadav, who was killed in the Madhubani firing incident, and met his grieving family. Tejashwi arrived at the victim's residence with his convoy at around 4:50 p.m. and spent nearly 20 minutes with the bereaved family. He paid floral tribute to Ashok Yadav's portrait and offered condolences to his wife, Smita Devi, and son, Sitesh Kumar. During the meeting, Tejashwi encouraged Sitesh to concentrate on his studies and clear his Class 12 examinations. He assured him that he would take up his case with the government and fight for a government job for him. He also extended financial assistance to the family and assured them of all possible support. After meeting the family, Tejashwi proceeded to a nearby venue to address a public gathering, where he described the incident as heart-wrenching and unforgivable. Launching an attack on the state government, he questioned how those who had become Chief Minister through the 'back door' could claim to maintain law and order in Bihar. He alleged that the state's law-and-order machinery had effectively collapsed. Tejashwi further alleged that the police, whose responsibility is to protect citizens, had turned into predators. Taking a swipe at the Bihar Police, he remarked that signboards should be installed at roads and intersections declaring that the police force had developed a criminal disposition. Demanding justice for Ashok Yadav's family, he also raised questions over the lack of action in the Roshan Yadav case. He alleged that people in Bihar were now being forced to make their own arrangements for personal security. The RJD leader also targeted the NDA's ongoing padyatra, alleging that it was an attempt to protect those responsible for 'vote theft'. He further accused the Central government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of shielding Gyanesh Kumar and others involved in the alleged electoral irregularities.
Bihar CM reviews implementation of VB-G RAM G mission; sets target of 3 lakh projects
Digital Desk | Patna, Nov 5 (IANS) Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday chaired a review meeting on the implementation of the 'Viksit Bharat Guarantee Rojgar and Ajiveeka Mission (Rural)' (VB-G RAM G), directing officials to accelerate rural employment generation and infrastructure development across the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised that the government's priority is to ensure balanced and comprehensive development of villages while expanding employment opportunities for rural households. Under the mission, rural households are guaranteed 125 days of employment annually, with the Centre and the state government sharing the expenditure in a 60:40 ratio. Choudhary stressed that workers must receive their wages within the stipulated period of 15 days. He directed officials to incorporate development projects worth Rs 22,000 crore under the mission, aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure and generating employment. He also instructed officials to increase the number of projects under implementation from the existing 1.5 lakh to 3 lakh. Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Development Department, H.R. Srinivas, briefed the meeting on the mission's features, action plan and implementation strategy. The Chief Minister said that essential infrastructure requirements in all villages must be addressed as a priority, with different departments working in coordination and District Magistrates maintaining regular oversight. He directed officials to expedite the construction of Anganwadi centres, additional school classrooms, healthcare facilities, rural markets, playgrounds and other essential infrastructure. An allocation of Rs 12 lakh has been earmarked for the construction of each Anganwadi centre, while an additional Rs 2 lakh will be provided for furniture, educational materials and other facilities. Choudhary also directed officials to adopt a systematic approach to developing Gram Panchayats under the mission. Projects will be undertaken across four major categories water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood enhancement and disaster management. He called for phased implementation of projects, greater use of technology for monitoring and transparency, effective social audits and prompt redressal of public grievances. Under the 'Seva Sankalp evam Kayakalp Abhiyan', the Chief Minister also stressed the need to strengthen basic infrastructure in rural areas. He directed officials to prioritise Anganwadi centre construction, complete additional classrooms wherever required and set targets for developing Gramin Haats (rural markets) to boost the rural economy. On water conservation, Choudhary emphasised the renovation and restoration of canals, reservoirs and other water-related structures. He instructed District Magistrates to regularly monitor these projects to ensure timely execution and quality. He also directed the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department to achieve the targets set for water conservation and afforestation. The Chief Minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts in tree plantation and rainwater harvesting to maintain groundwater levels and meet future water requirements. Choudhary instructed officials to ensure the effective implementation of all provisions of the mission and complete projects related to rural employment, livelihood generation and infrastructure development within stipulated timelines. He said these initiatives should ultimately improve the living standards of rural families and contribute to the vision of a developed Bihar. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Chaudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, Building Construction Minister Leshi Singh and other senior officials of the Bihar government.
Man accused of raping minor girl arrested in Gujarat
Digital payment platform for e-challans to go live on Nov 16
Two arrested in Bhojpur double murder case
